Chilterns Walking Festival
Over 75 events taking place across the two weeks from 21 May to 5 June 2022
TRY SOMETHING NEW
NEW!! Tour, tea & lace-making experience in historic Marlow, Wed 1st June
This new experience led by tour guide Bobbie Latter combines a lively walking tour of historic Marlow (prepare to be entertained with lots of intriguing stories!) ending up in the Two Brewers pub for a delicious afternoon tea and a lesson in bobbin lace-making. Learn about this traditional craft and have a go for yourself under Bobbie’s guidance!
£18 head all inclusive
SING YOUR HEART OUT
NEW!! The Hills are Alive! Wed 1 June
Come & experience a joyous combination of walking & singing outdoors. We will be accompanied on our scenic 4 mile walk through Golden Valley by professional voice coach Victoria Williams. She has years of experience in making singing fun for all ages & abilities. ALL voices welcome! We will stop for a picnic lunch so please bring food & drink supplies in a rucksack. We may even get to 'busk' in the courtyard cafe at Ashridge House afterwards!
£10 per head, start at Ashridge House
Victoria Williams founder, Gobstoppers and Hilary Warrell, walking guide
NEW!! Woodland Song Walk, Kings Wood, High Wycombe 28 May
“Every part of nature shimmers with its own unique song.”
Join Paula Tait of Wildsong Walks, and come sing in King’s Wood! This ancient beech woodland has an abundance of wild songs for us. We will share simple walking chants and songs of the woods and of the beings that live there. We will also be guided through the process of finding our own wild song to take home with us. Our circular route is short and we will take it slowly and attentively, stopping regularly to listen and explore what we hear along our way. For singers of all abilities.
Free of charge
GUIDED NATURE WALKS FOR WELLBEING AND MINDFULNESS
Awakening your senses - a mindful walking experience, 23 May
Boost not only your physical but mental wellbeing on this 4 mile walk exploring various techniques which promote awareness in the present moment. We will be stopping at the Amaravati Buddhist monastery on route, where you will have some time for quiet reflection either inside their beautiful temple or in the grounds outside. The Cedar cafe at the end of our walk is a lovely spot for a social cuppa or lunch .
£5 per head, Potten End
Led by Hilary Warrell, A Breath of Fresh Air
New! Dudes & Dogs Walk and Talk at Maidensgrove Common, 22 May
Here’s one for the guys (and their four legged friends)! This friendly walking group was established as a safe place for men to get together, walk and talk (if they feel like it – no pressure!) to improve mental health and wellbeing. We will walk for 60 mins around Maidensgrove Common. It's a great space for dogs, with wide open skies, gentle slopes and some woodland. Walkers are welcome to bring friendly, well-behaved dogs, but do not have to own a dog to join.
FAMILY FUN
Barton Hills Kids nature adventure celebrating 70 years of National Nature Reserves, 28 May
Join Natural England rangers for a morning of exploring the natural world at Barton Hills. We will be doing a number of activities including leaf rubbings to identify trees, looking for creepy crawlies, finding and identifying wildflowers and spotting butterflies, bees and birds along the way. We will be doing a route approximately 2 miles long stopping for a picnic at the springs so don't forget a packed lunch!
Make a dreamcatcher from nature, 31 May
Bring a little rucksack, & an adult, & join me on a Nature ramble, during which we will collect all the natural 'ingredients' to make a dreamcatcher. We'll be looking for feathers, colourful leaves, twigs & twine to combine with beads, string & anything else you may bring from home to personalize your creation. We will be out wandering in Nature for 75mins max depending on the weather/energy levels, & then back in the garden at Home Farm creating for another hour plus. There will be plenty of delicious refreshments available to buy from the cafe.
£5 per head, Northchurch Common
Led by Hilary Warrell, A Breath of Fresh Air
CELEBRATORY WALKS
Flowers and Fruitcake at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve, 4 June
Join the reserve staff at Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve, for a fun, informative, and tasty walk on this beautiful nature-rich chalk grassland reserve, with its spectacular views. The day will include identifying what plants are up and flowering on the chalk downland, meeting, and learning about our sheep flocks on the reserve and why they are so important, and joining us for locally sourced cake and treats to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of National Nature Reserves.
This is just a small selection of all that's on offer. Visit the website to view the full programme of events and book your place!